History of Giving

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1868

Brisbane Grammar School was established on principles of philanthropy when subscribers first contributed to a building fund in 1861, and has benefited from the generosity of its community since ​it was founded in February 1868.

1916

The War Memorial Li​brary appeal, led by Stuart Stephenson (Second Master) and a committee of BGS Old Boys, raised approximately £3,000. In today's dollars the project value was over $150,000.

1948

The Headmaster of the time, Mr Henry Pigott was hampered by a shortage of funds so actively sought donations, culminating in gifts to the School from one of our earliest and greatest major benefactors, Frank Walker. Mr Walker was a friend of the School who was very wealthy and generous. He delighted everyone by donating to the School more than £11,000 for a new gymnasium including a swimming pool, rowing clubs, pianos and beds.

1950s

Cobb and Co. donated funds for a bursary so that deserving boys could have four years of free education.

1958

The School launched its most successful campaign in 1958, the Centenary buildings appeal, with a goal of raising $150,000. Although the campaign committee had a few challenges getting the momentum going, by 1968, the campaign had raised a total of $500,000, which in todays dollars the funds raised is similar to $4M.

1959

A Bequest from BGS Old Boy Mr D.J.J. Adsett, was used to buy instruments for the School's C​adet Band.

1960

The P&F decided to support a bursary worth £50 a year to enable a boy to attend the School.

1971

The Boatshed opened following a committee of BGS Old Boys, parents, Trustees and teachers raising $10,000.

1979

Arts Centre (Music) campaign raised $515,000.

1993

The Endowment Scholarship Fund (now Bursary Fund) ​was established to raise funds to provide bursaries. The Endowment Scholarship Fund grew to a base of $3M by 2004 through preserving enrolment confirmation fees.

​The War Memorial Library Appeal was generously supported by the P&F Auxiliary with a donation of $250,000. The Old Boys' Association (BGS OBA) commited $10,000 and will drive efforts to raise additional funds.